NH Esthetician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Disinfection contact time

The period an EPA-registered disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to kill the labeled organisms; skipping it means implements are not actually disinfected.

Universal precautions

Treating all blood, lymph, and body fluids as potentially infectious and using gloves and barriers for every client regardless of known health status.

Stratum basale

The deepest epidermal layer where keratinocytes divide and melanocytes and Merkel cells reside; new cells migrate upward toward the surface.

Papillary dermis

The thin upper dermal layer of loose connective tissue containing capillary loops that supply the epidermis and help regulate skin temperature.

Eccrine gland function

Coiled sweat glands opening directly onto the skin surface that cool the body through evaporation and are most numerous on palms and soles.

Combination skin

A skin type with an oily T-zone across the forehead, nose, and chin and normal-to-dry cheeks, requiring products balanced for both areas.

Pustule vs papule

A papule is a small, solid, elevated lesion without fluid; a pustule is elevated and contains pus. Inflamed pustules should not be extracted.

ABCDE melanoma signs

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over six millimeters, and Evolving change; any positive sign warrants physician referral rather than treatment.

Fitzpatrick scale purpose

A six-level classification of skin response to ultraviolet light used to estimate burning and tanning risk and to plan sun protection and treatment intensity.

Isotretinoin contraindication

Clients taking isotretinoin have fragile, slow-healing skin; waxing and aggressive exfoliation must be deferred until physician clearance after the course ends.

Informed consent elements

A signed, dated record that the client received an explanation of the service, its benefits, risks, alternatives, and aftercare before treatment began.

Extraction stopping rule

Apply gentle pressure around a softened lesion; if the contents do not release or blood appears, stop to avoid scarring and inflammation.

Salicylic acid properties

A lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates sebaceous follicles, exfoliates inside pores, and suits oily and acne-prone skin.

Anagen growth phase

The active hair growth stage when the follicle is deepest and the hair is most firmly attached, making it the ideal target for waxing.

Hard wax characteristics

A resin-based wax applied warm, allowed to set, and removed without strips; it grips short, coarse hair and is used on sensitive areas.

Sugaring application direction

Sugar paste is applied against the direction of hair growth and removed in the direction of growth, reducing breakage and adhering mainly to hair and dead cells.

Foundation undertone matching

Choose cool, warm, or neutral undertone to match the client's skin and test at the jawline in natural light so the face and neck blend.

Lash tint patch test

A small amount of dye applied to the skin 24 to 48 hours before service to detect allergic reaction before full application.

Brow arch landmarks

The brow begins above the inner eye corner, peaks over the outer edge of the iris, and ends at the outer eye corner.

Skin surface pH

The acid mantle averages about 4.5 to 5.5; products near this range support barrier function while alkaline products increase irritation and penetration.

Humectant definition

An ingredient such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid that attracts and binds water to increase hydration in the skin or formula.

Occlusive ingredient function

Substances like petrolatum and dimethicone that form a film on the surface to slow transepidermal water loss and protect the barrier.

Emulsifier role

A molecule with water-loving and oil-loving ends that suspends oil and water together, keeping a lotion or cream from separating.

Ingredient list order

Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration, so the first several items make up most of the product formula.

NH licensing authority

Estheticians are licensed by the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

Scope of practice limit

Estheticians may perform cosmetic skin care but may not diagnose disease, prescribe medication, or treat medical conditions; suspicious findings are referred.

Licensed establishment rule

Services for compensation must be performed in a licensed, inspected establishment with a posted license and compliant sanitation practices.

Dry sanitizer

A closed, clean, disinfected container or cabinet that holds cleaned and disinfected implements and keeps them free of contaminants between uses.

Melanin function

Pigment produced by melanocytes and transferred to keratinocytes that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and gives skin and hair their color.

Rosacea trigger avoidance

Rosacea-prone skin flushes with heat, sun, alcohol, and strong products; services avoid steam, friction, and aggressive exfoliation.

Treatment record content

A dated entry noting products, equipment settings, skin response, extractions performed, and aftercare given, signed by the esthetician and kept confidential.

Waxing hair length

Hair should be roughly one-quarter inch long for wax to grip; longer hair is trimmed first to reduce pulling and discomfort.